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Indyhunger

Senior Program Officer

Indyhunger, Indianapolis, Indiana, us, 46262

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The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is a private, charitable foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our mission is to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well‑being of its people, and we work to achieve this mission through grantmaking, convening, research, evaluation, communications, and collaboration with grantees, other foundations, and community partners. The Foundation has three focus areas: Education, Health, and the Vitality of Indianapolis. More information about the Foundation is available at www.rmff.org.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Senior Program Officer.

The Senior Program Officer works closely with the Foundation’s President and CEO, Vice President & Chief Grantmaking Officer and Program staff to develop, refine, and execute strategies in support of the Foundation’s funding goals. Job responsibilities encompass program, policy, and communications initiatives. The Senior Program Officer’s primary responsibilities include managing grantee relationships and guiding nonprofit organizations through the entire application process, from concept development through presentation of proposals and evaluation results. Other activities include supporting strategy development, engaging stakeholders, conducting research, identifying best practices, and working with Program staff to determine the appropriate policy environment for achieving the Foundation’s goals.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Works with Foundation leadership and Program staff to develop and drive grantmaking priorities, strategies, and tactics in support of the Foundation’s goals, including the development of new strategic initiatives.

Works with Foundation leadership and Program staff on policy, communications, and advocacy strategies and plays a critical role in executing these strategies; works closely with Foundation staff and external partners to support implementation.

Works with Program staff to form key partnerships with individuals and organizations – in the non‑profit, public and private sectors – to enhance implementation of Foundation strategies.

Participates in screening and management of funding inquiries and conducts due diligence assessments of prospective grantees.

Provides recommendations for funding, including composing proposal summaries and presenting proposal recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Manages relationships with grantees, which includes meetings with grantees, site visits, drafting correspondence and report guidelines, and monitoring and evaluating grantee outcomes. Provides periodic updates to the Board about grantees’ performance on grants awarded by the Foundation.

Stays up-to-date on developments in Foundation focus areas through research and by attending pertinent conferences and meetings.

As needed, leads planning and administration of external convenings hosted by the Foundation.

Writes and produces informative briefings, reports, and other materials related to the Foundation’s strategies or emerging/key issues for Foundation leadership, the Board, and external audiences.

Represents the Foundation to key program-related external constituencies. This could include both formal and informal presentations such as making speeches, attending conferences, committee representation and other meetings as necessary. May serve on non-profit boards and working groups as a Foundation representative.

Qualifications

Excels in relationship-building, is results-oriented, understands policy, is a strategic thinker, and has demonstrated strong project management skills.

A Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and five to eight years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Advanced degree is preferred.

Strong interpersonal and networking skills with a track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with groups and individuals.

A demonstrated commitment to meeting a high bar and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles.

Experience in project management, including managing consultants, developing and managing project budgets and timelines, and monitoring and evaluation of results.

Excellent written and oral communications skills, including the ability to listen well, convey thoughts clearly and speak in public.

Experience in the conception, design, and management of strategies, initiatives, and programs, including the ability to anticipate and respond to shifts within the field and policy environment.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Ability to thrive in an environment of growth and change.

Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work well under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.

Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Teams).

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